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Understanding your metabolism is crucial for understanding your overall health. It can either be fast and efficient or slow and sluggish. Your daily choices and habits play a significant role in determining the speed of your metabolism. Keep reading to learn my 7 ways to speed up your metabolism naturally.
7 Ways to Speed Up Your Metabolism Naturally
Previously, I’ve shared how your metabolism can be slowed down by your actions and how you eat. Thankfully, your metabolism can also be revved up by some simple changes. In this blog post, I’m going to share 7 ways to speed up your metabolism naturally.
Did you know you can test your metabolism? Every day you can see if you have a boosted or slower metabolism by checking your basal body temperature. This is the temperature you have when you first wake up in the morning before even sitting up. Ideally, a healthy metabolism would be at or above 97.8 degrees. You can buy a basal body temperature online or at your local drug store.
I started checking my basal body temperature when I was practicing natural family planning. But I learned that this is such a great way to understand your body better and really track your metabolism.
It is so important to have a healthy metabolism. Your metabolism is important for your immune system, weight loss, and a sign of your body’s health. Let’s get into the tips to speed up your metabolism naturally!
Eat more Fat
More and more we are learning how important it is to eat fat everyday for a healthy body and metabolism. Healthy fats are a great way to fuel your body and give you essential nutrients your body needs. We eat most of our fat from healthy saturated fats like coconut oil and butter. Learn more about how important eating fat is for your health.
Healthy fats play a vital role in our diet and overall health. Contrary to popular belief, not all fats are bad for us. In fact, incorporating healthy fats into our meals is essential for various bodily functions. These fats provide a concentrated source of energy, support cell growth, protect organs, and help absorb essential vitamins. Additionally, they contribute to hormone production and aid in maintaining healthy skin and hair. Including sources of healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, in our diet can promote heart health, improve brain function, and support weight management. It is important to strike a balance and choose healthy fats over unhealthy ones to optimize our well-being.
Eat more healthy carbs
It is no secret that carbs can and should be a part of your weight loss plan. Eating clean, healthy carbohydrates from vegetables and whole grains is of utmost importance for maintaining optimal health and well-being. These nutrient-dense sources of carbs are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, providing a wide range of health benefits.
Vegetables, such as leafy greens, broccoli, and carrots, are not only low in calories but also packed with antioxidants that help protect the body against harmful free radicals. Whole grains, such as quinoa, brown rice, and gluten free oats, are high in fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes satiety, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
By incorporating these clean, healthy carbs into our diet, we can support a healthy weight, reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes, improve digestion, and boost overall energy levels. Making vegetables and whole grains a staple in our meals ensures a balanced and nourishing diet that promotes long-term health.
Drink less plain water
There is a balance of drinking plain water and boosting your metabolism. I have learned that I actually feel better when I drink water with added salts and minerals.
Drinking electrolytes can offer several health benefits that make it a healthier choice than plain water in certain situations. Electrolytes are minerals like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium that play a crucial role in maintaining proper hydration and bodily functions. When we engage in intense physical activity or sweat excessively, we lose electrolytes along with water.
Replenishing these electrolytes through drinks like sports drinks or electrolyte-enhanced water can help restore the body’s electrolyte balance more effectively than plain water alone. Electrolytes aid in hydration by facilitating fluid absorption and retention, preventing dehydration and muscle cramps.
Additionally, they support nerve and muscle function, regulate blood pressure, and contribute to overall cellular health. While plain water is generally sufficient for everyday hydration, consuming electrolytes can be a healthier choice during periods of increased physical exertion or when electrolyte imbalances need to be addressed.
Eat more salt
Salt plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy metabolism. While excessive salt intake can be detrimental to health, moderate amounts of salt are necessary for optimal metabolic function. Salt, or sodium, is an essential electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance in the body. It aids in the transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contractions, and the absorption of nutrients. Additionally, sodium plays a key role in maintaining proper thyroid function, which is vital for a healthy metabolism. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism, and sodium is required for the production and activation of these hormones. However, it is important to note that the recommended daily intake of salt should be followed, as excessive sodium consumption can lead to health issues such as high blood pressure. Striking a balance and consuming salt in moderation is essential for supporting a healthy metabolism.
Eat more often
Eating more frequently throughout the day can boost your metabolism. When we consume food, our body goes through a process called thermogenesis, where it uses energy to digest and absorb nutrients. This process increases our metabolic rate temporarily. By eating smaller, frequent meals or snacks, we can stimulate thermogenesis more frequently, keeping our metabolism active throughout the day.
Additionally, regular eating helps prevent long periods of fasting, which can slow down our metabolism in the long term. When we skip meals or go for extended periods without eating, our body may enter a state of energy conservation, slowing down our metabolic rate to conserve energy.
Eating more frequently also helps stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing spikes and crashes that can negatively impact metabolism. However, it is important to focus on consuming balanced, nutritious meals and snacks rather than relying on unhealthy, processed foods. By fueling our body consistently with healthy choices, we can optimize our metabolism and support overall health.
Exercise
Exercise is a powerful tool for boosting metabolism and promoting overall health. When we engage in physical activity, our body requires more energy to fuel the muscles and perform the movements. This increased energy demand leads to an elevation in our metabolic rate, both during and after exercise.
Regular exercise, especially high-intensity workouts and strength training, can increase muscle mass. Since muscle tissue is more metabolically active than fat tissue, having more muscle can raise our resting metabolic rate, allowing us to burn more calories even at rest. Exercise also improves insulin sensitivity, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and prevents the accumulation of excess fat.
Furthermore, aerobic exercises, such as running or cycling, can enhance cardiovascular health, improving the efficiency of oxygen delivery and nutrient utilization in the body. By incorporating regular exercise into our routine, we can boost our metabolism, burn more calories, and support overall well-being.
Sleep more
For a healthy metabolism, you need to rest. Rest and quality sleep are essential for maintaining a healthy metabolism. When we sleep, our body undergoes various restorative processes, including hormone regulation and tissue repair. Lack of sleep or poor sleep quality can disrupt these processes, leading to imbalances in hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism.
Studies have shown that sleep deprivation can increase levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin while decreasing levels of the satiety hormone leptin, leading to increased cravings and overeating. Additionally, inadequate sleep can impair insulin sensitivity, which can disrupt blood sugar regulation and contribute to weight gain.
On the other hand, getting enough restful sleep allows our body to function optimally, supporting a healthy metabolism. It helps regulate appetite, maintain hormonal balance, and promote efficient energy utilization. Prioritizing quality sleep and establishing a consistent sleep routine can have a positive impact on our metabolism and overall well-being.
You are on your way to a naturally boosted metabolism!
Boosting our metabolism naturally is important for several reasons. A healthy metabolism helps us maintain a healthy weight, as it determines how efficiently our body burns calories. By increasing our metabolic rate, we can burn more calories even at rest, making weight management easier. Additionally, a well-functioning metabolism supports overall energy levels, allowing us to feel more energized and productive throughout the day.
A boosted metabolism also aids in digestion, nutrient absorption, and elimination of waste, promoting a healthy gut and optimal nutrient utilization. Moreover, a healthy metabolism contributes to hormonal balance, which is crucial for various bodily functions, including mood regulation, immune system function, and reproductive health. By focusing on natural methods to boost our metabolism, such as through proper nutrition, regular exercise, quality sleep, and stress management, we can enhance our overall health and well-being in a sustainable and holistic way.
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I actually just read another “whole food” blogger share the same thought on Monday about water. Hopefully we can get the word out and help people realize that they can have a healthy metabolism at any age. Have you heard of Matt Stone? He is doing a lot of current talk about metabolism.
I used to have a really sluggish metabolism (and was doing most of these things wrong). I’m glad that now I feel like I’m the healthiest I’ve been in a while. Thanks for reading!
Thanks for the post. I have been doing THM for about 6 months with great success. In the last month, however, I began having most, if not all of your stated symptoms. I will be eating more full E meals, adding more salt, drinking less plain water (which I have been drinking a lot of) and exercise more. Let you know how it helps.